Red tape stops us building for growth, say developers

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Linden Homes’ development at Redhill, Surrey, where housing demand is highNick Ray

Deirdre Hipwell

Last updated at 12:01AM, September 6 2012

It is not hard to find evidence of Britain’s housing crisis. A visit to the
borough of Reigate and Banstead encapsulates many of the challenges facing a
country that cannot meet its growing need for new and affordable homes.

Nearly three quarters of this East Surrey borough is in the “Metropolitan
Green Belt” — protected open space around London — meaning that available
land supply for new homes is constrained. Yet demand for homes to rent and
buy in the commuter borough remains high, keeping prices at a level that is
unattainable for many buyers, especially first-timers. The delivery of
affordable housing